US warns Iran of ‘severe consequences’ if it further attacks
The US has warned Iran at the United Nations that if it undertakes any further retaliatory acts against Israel or US personnel in the region, “there will be severe consequences”.
“We will not hesitate to act in self-defence. Let there be no confusion. The US does not want to see further escalation. We believe this should be the end of the direct exchange of fire between Israel and Iran,” US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said.
US ‘complicit in Israeli aggression’: Iran’s UN envoy
Amir Saeid Iravani has told the UN’s Security Council that the US government is “complicit in Israeli aggression and will bear its consequences”.
The envoy also said that Iran “reserves its inherent right to respond at a time of its choosing” to Israel’s attack on Saturday.
Death toll rises in Lebanon’s Baalbek
Lebanon’s Health Ministry says that Israeli strikes have killed at least 60 people in Baalbek in the eastern Bekaa Valley.
The ministry added that:
- The toll covered 12 areas in the Bekaa Valley.
- At least two children were among the dead.
- At least 58 people were also wounded.
- The toll was preliminary as rescue efforts were still under way.
- Of the 60 killed, at least 16 deaths were recorded in Ain el Aalaq, west of Baalbek City.
Protests, arrests outside Netanyahu’s home
Nine protesters taking part in an anti-government demonstration near PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s house in Jerusalem have been arrested, according to the Israeli police force spokesperson.
Israeli policemen remove anti-government protesters and supporters of Israelis held captive in Gaza who were holding a sit-in calling for their release near the prime minister’s residence in Jerusalem
